Russia has expressed interest in cooperating on the standards harmonization

On April 19th-20th 2017 EWF, the European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting participated in the International Conference “Welding: Standardization and Conformity Assessment”.

The Conference was organized by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), Committee on Technical Regulation, Standardization and Conformity Assessment, and the Russian Welding Society (RWS).

EWF was represented by its president, EurIng. Chris Eady and by Eng. Rute Ferraz, the EWF Chief Executive.

“There is a desire to engage in European Standards activities. The Russian technical experts believe that, not only must they harmonise the National GOST standards with EN, on which there has already been much work done in Russia, but also that Russian technical knowledge and understanding could inform EN standards.

There is a request to be able to export more Russian technology to Europe. The harmonisation of standards is a key enabler for trade but there is a cautious approach to open markets, as importing of technology and materials and skills into Russia is often controlled by mandatory or voluntary legislation that is implemented by a governmental or non-governmental agency.” – states Chris Eady, after participating in the event.

For the implementation of harmonised standards and compliance with EU market surveillance requirements, Russian industry will require better access to accreditation services.

The Russian welding sector would like to create a National welding institute and is looking to EWF members to provide them with guidance and support.

The event was supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, by the Federal Agency on Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart), as well as the Association of National Alliances of Builders and the State Atomic Energy Corporation ROSATOM. The OJSC Russian Railways, together with the large public associations and Russian companies expressed their support for this international conference.